As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center's mission is not only to affect positive health outcomes for patients, but also positive change in the community. That community focus is represented in the Literacy Initiative, formed to promote increased literacy for all ages in RCCHC's service area of Hertford, Bertie, Gates, Northampton and Washington counties. The Literacy Initiative has so far been responsible for projects like implementing the Reach Out and Read program, which provides children ages 6 months to 5 years with a free book during their yearly wellness check at RCCHC; establishing Little Free Libraries, built by local Eagle Scout Daniel Lane, in its Ahoskie, Murfreesboro and Colerain clinics, as well as hosting story hours and children's activities with Everest and Gigi the Therapy Reading Dogs.

Now, the RCCHC Literacy Initiative is happy to announce its recent partnership with the Elizabeth S. Parker Memorial Library in Murfreesboro, NC. Both are working together to cultivate a love of reading in RCCHC patients and library patrons alike, through expanding the reach of their programs and events that address health and literacy promotion – and just having a good time! 

And a great time was had by all at two recent Story Hours organized by the library and RCCHC:

The Black History Month Story Hour was held on Feb. 20th, also in partnership with Taylor Made Publishing, Hertford-Northampton Daycare Association, Choanoke Area Development Association (CADA), and the National Association of University Women's Northampton County Branch. The event featured a reading by author G. Todd Taylor of his books, "Daddy, Who Will I Be?", "Daddy's Little Princess" and "I Don't See Color". Taylor Made Publishing generously donated a book to each child who attended to begin their own culturally diverse collection, as well as four autographed books to the Elizabeth S. Parker Memorial Library for all of its patrons to enjoy. 30 parents and 45 children attended, making it an awesome family night and true cultural experience for all.

A celebration of Dr. Seuss's Birthday was held on Mar. 2nd with a special reading of "The Cat and the Hat Comes Back" by the Cat in the Hat himself and his friend Cindy-Lou Who. The 40 Children and parents who attended had a great night of fun with reading, refreshments - including a special birthday cake for Dr. Seuss - and Dr. Seuss themed crafts.

Be on the lookout for more partnered events like these between RCCHC and the Elizabeth S. Parker Memorial Library. In the meantime, check out what programs both sites have available right now online:

RCCHC – www.rcchc.org

Elizabeth S. Parker Memorial Library - http://www.arlnc.org/librarydirectory/murfreesboro.htm